Stacey Brewer (co-founder and Chair of SPARK Schools) talks to host Monde Nkosi about her experience building a network of affordable independent schools in South Africa. Stacey explains how SPARK deliver high quality education at an affordable fee level, correcting a common misconception that independent schools only serve the wealthy. She discusses SPARK’s use of technology, as well as their innovative approach to scheduling, real estate, and teacher professional development. Stacey also shares some personal stories about how SPARK evolved from her MBA thesis and pays tribute to some of the people who have helped her along the journey.

Stacey is a celebrated entrepreneur and leader. She co-founded SPARK Schools, a network of independent schools serving more than 17,000 students in South Africa. She has won a range of awards including South African Innovator of the Year and the Elle Boss Award for leading female entrepreneurs in South Africa. She is also an Archbishop Tutu Leadership Fellow. Watch on YouTube

Victor Hu (co-founder and Managing Partner of Lumos Capital Group) talks to host Monde Nkosi about growth-stage investing in human capital and education technology globally. Victor explores the investment case for the large and growing industry of software and service providers in the education and workforce development sectors. He discusses segments of the industry using various companies as examples including Instructure, PowerSchool, Duolingo, BookNook, Core Education, and Transfr. Victor also shares some personal stories about his journey and the role education has played in his family.

Victor is a seasoned investor and executive. Prior to founding Lumos Capital Group in 2018, Victor was a Managing Director at Goldman Sachs, where he served as the Global Head of Education Technology and Knowledge Services Investment Banking. He is an experienced director who has served on multiple boards including OpenClassrooms, Trilogy Education, and Podium Education. Victor holds a BA from Amherst College, a JD from Harvard Law School, and an MBA from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Watch on YouTube

Rob de Vos, CEO of Arena REIT (ASX:ARF), talks to host Monde Nkosi about the education infrastructure sector in Australia with a focus on the early learning (preschools/pre-K) segment. Rob gives an overview of the $60 billion property market for early learning centres in Australia and presents his investment case for the sector. He explains how long-term win/win partnerships work between property owners and education groups, including his approach to setting affordable and sustainable rents. He also discusses the social impact of the sector, and shares some personal stories about his journey from a small farming community to CEO of an ASX-listed company.

Rob is a seasoned property and financial markets executive with over 25 years of experience. Prior to joining Arena REIT in 2012, Rob held senior roles with Jones Lang LaSalle, Becton Property Group, and Ceramic Funds Management. Watch on YouTube · Watch on YouTube

Chinezi Chijioke (co-founder and CEO of Nova Pioneer) talks to host Monde Nkosi about his experience building a network of independent schools in South Africa and Kenya. Chinezi describes the diversity of the independent school sector, correcting a common misconception that independent schools only serve the very wealthy. He lays out the investment case for affordable independent schools across Africa, one of the few regions globally with a growing young population. Chinezi also discusses the social impact of the sector and shares some personal stories about his journey from Nigeria to two of the best universities in the world: Harvard and Stanford.

Chinezi has a unique perspective having been involved in education from multiple angles: in the classroom as a teacher, in the boardroom as head of McKinsey and Company’s education practice in Africa, and now as co-founder and CEO of Nova Pioneer, an independent school group with 13 schools in South Africa and Kenya. Watch on YouTube · Watch on YouTube

Ed Senior delivers a masterclass on schools as an investment sector. We explore the independent school sector from the perspective of an investor, discussing some of the large groups, the profile of investors in the sector, and various business models such as asset heavy vs. asset light. We also explore the social impact of the sector and Ed shares some personal stories about how education and teachers have shaped his journey and his children’s journey.

Ed is very well positioned to deliver insights on investing in schools. He is a seasoned executive with significant experience in investment banking and education, including as Group CFO of GEMS Education, one of the world’s largest independent school groups serving more than 140 thousand students. Watch on YouTube · Watch on YouTube

In a world where investors are looking for stable and growing long-term returns with social impact, the education sector is becoming increasingly attractive.

We speak to leading educators, operators, and investors in the education sector around the world to explore this growing investment theme alongside our listeners. From preschools to K-12 schools to higher education and vocational education, from ed tech to education infrastructure, from VC investors to private equity and family offices, we explore it all.

I'm your host, Monde Nkosi. Education has always been a big part of my life because my mother founded a school which was across the road from our home. I have benefited from excellent schools and teachers in South Africa and the US. I went on to study education and I'm now very grateful to be an investor in the sector that I love.

All opinions expressed by podcast guests are solely their own opinions. This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for investment decisions. Watch on YouTube